DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Allie Park Fights for a Just Environment with Generosity Food & Water Watch recently received an unexpected donation from Ramapo High School in New Jersey. We were delighted to see such generosity from a group of young people, led by Allie Park. Allie organized her school’s environmental club-sponsored fundraiser and gifted the proceeds to Food & Water Watch. Please introduce yourself to our readers. My name is Allie Park, and I'm a rising senior at Ramapo High School. I’m an environmental activist and filmmaker. Some of my work can be found on The New York Times Learning Network and Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs. How did you hear about Food & Water Watch, and what motivated you to create your fundraiser? I heard about Food & Water Watch through my sister, who was involved. As the president of Ramapo’s Environmental Club, I was motivated to create a fundraiser to give the club more purpose and pique students' interest in the issues that Food & Water Watch addresses. Our donation money was raised through a second- hand shopping event, so it was extremely fulfilling to raise awareness of both sustainabili- ty and Food & Water Watch in my school. One of Food & Water Watch’s current fights is against the NJ Turnpike Expansion. While I don't live very near the planned expansion, through being a Food & Water Watch member, I’ve interacted with people directly experiencing environmental injustices. This deeper involve- ment with communities across New Jersey has given me a stronger connection with environ- mental justice perspectives within the climate movement. What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy? I hope to get more people involved in the
fight for a just environment, whether by cover- ing transportation fees for students wanting to attend rallies, supporting outreach, or providing supplies for art builds. If you were talking to someone else about giving to Food & Water Watch (or Food & Water Action), what would you tell them? I encourage them to talk to Food & Water Watch members. You’re bound to be inspired because of their accomplishments, goals, and sheer passion — and you’ll ultimately want to join the movement. That’s how I got involved! What gives you hope for the future? Invigorating and inspiring conversations about environmentalism! Meeting so many amazing fellow activists and young people reminds me that, as long as we perpetuate our fervor and resilience, there’s hope for the future. When talking to people during outreach events, I realized that people want to get involved and learn more. It just takes a conversation to start a connection. I realized that people want to get involved and learn more. It just takes a conversation to start a connection. — Allie Park As president of Ramapo High School's Environmental Club, Allie Park organized the Thrift-a-Palooza fundraiser and donated the proceeds to Food & Water Watch.
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 4
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